Why Choose Our Premises Liability Lawyers in Atlanta
Premises liability is a legal term that sounds complicated, but it speaks to a fundamental principle: if you are injured due to a hazardous condition on someone else’s property, you deserve to be compensated for your injury and related losses. For instance, if you slip on a piece of fruit fallen from a grocery store shelf, and are seriously injured, why should you bear the consequences alone?
At Julie A. Rice, Attorney At Law, & Affiliates, we are more than just attorneys; we are your advocates in navigating an Atlanta premises liability claim. Reach out to us today to learn more about your rights, and how we can secure the compensation you deserve. Call us at 770-865-8654 for a free consultation and let’s build your case together.
Understanding Premises Liability in Atlanta
Premises liability laws govern compensation for injuries caused by hazardous conditions on another’s property. Think about a wet floor that caused you to slip or a poorly maintained staircase that led to your fall. Fundamentally, premises liability is about keeping people safe. Property owners, whether individuals or entities have a duty to ensure the safety of those they invite onto their property. When they fall short of this duty, they can be held financially accountable for the victim’s damages.
Common Types of Premises Liability Cases
Life is full of unforeseen accidents, and premises liability comes into play more often than you may realize. From the unsuspecting stumble on a cracked sidewalk to a fall on a poorly maintained playground, the scenarios are as diverse as the city itself.
Common types of premises liability cases our Atlanta premises liability attorneys handles are as follows:
- Slip and Fall Accidents: An overlooked wet spot in a store can lead to a serious fall.
- Elevator or Escalator Incidents: Even these conveniences can pose risks if neglected.
- Construction Site Accidents: A construction site with lax safety measures can spell disaster.
- Playground Accidents: Inadequate maintenance can turn a playground into a danger zone.
- House Guest Injuries: Accidents during social visits can have legal implications.
- Negligent Security Cases: Inadequate security measures can result in visitors being harmed.
- Dog Bites and Animal Attacks: Dogs and other pets can bite or otherwise injure visitors.
Establishing Liability in Atlanta, Georgia
Not every mishap that occurs on someone else’s property translates to a valid premises liability claim. In other words, being injured on someone else’s property doesn’t automatically mean you have a valid lawsuit.
Liability in these cases is based on the concept of duty of care, which categorizes individuals as invitees, licensees, or trespassers. For instance, if you are a patron in a store (an invitee), the store owes you a duty to provide a safe environment. The same applies to government-owned spaces.
On the other hand, if you are trespassing on someone’s property, they owe you the least amount of care, and you would find it very difficult to hold them responsible for any injury you sustain while on their property.
For a valid premises liability claim, you must also show that the owner or occupier’s negligence contributed to your accident. This involves proving they knew or should have known about the hazardous conditions that led to your injuries but didn’t take reasonable steps to fix or warn about them.
Comparative Negligence in Georgia
Sometimes, there can be multiple parties at fault for a premises liability accident. Georgia’s comparative negligence principle acknowledges this. But, even if you share some blame for the accident in which you were injured, you can still seek compensation as long as your percentage of fault does not exceed 50%. For example, if you are found 45% at fault; you can still recover 55% of your damages. However, if your percentage of fault is more than 50%, you may not be eligible to receive any compensation at all.
Building a Strong Premises Liability Case
Photographing hazardous conditions, like a wet floor or uneven surface, is essential because property owners often rectify these issues right after they injure someone. The clothing you were wearing at the time of the incident matters too.
For example, in a slip-and-fall accident in Atlanta, your clothes might carry evidence of the substance that caused the fall. Seemingly minor details like these can make a huge difference in your case.
Also, gathering witness information is crucial, especially when the police might not be involved. Their accounts can significantly boost the strength of your case. Finally, it is important to act swiftly as evidence and the memories of witnesses can fade with time.
Potential Damages
Various types of damages could potentially be recovered after a premises liability accident in Atlanta. Among the most common are medical expenses related to the incident.
Severe injuries, like broken bones, head injuries, or spinal cord injuries, can lead to expensive treatments. As such, you could be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medications
- Transportation to and from medical appointments
- Rehabilitation costs
- Other costs tied to your recovery process
In addition, if the injury prevents you from working, you may also be entitled to compensation for lost wages and income.
Furthermore, if you can never return to work, you may recover compensation for loss of future earning capacity.
Moreover, you may be compensated for pain and suffering, property damage, and even wrongful death damages if you lost a loved one in a premises liability incident.
Contact Julie A. Rice, Attorney At Law, & Affiliates
Navigating a premises liability claim can be complex, but you don’t have to go it alone. Our Atlanta personal injury lawyers are experienced in handling all types of premises liability claims. We are not just about providing legal services; we are about advocating for you and your rights.
The Atlanta premises liability lawyers at Julie A. Rice, Attorney At Law, & Affiliates stand ready to assist you. Call us at 770-865-8654 or reach out through our contact form for a free consultation. Remember, you pay us no legal fee unless we secure your rightful compensation.